LAHORE: After missing out on the recently concluded Men’s Asia Cup, Pakistan’s national hockey team is now bracing for a decisive test as they prepare for the FIH Men’s Hockey World Cup 2026 Qualifiers, scheduled from February 28 to March 8, 2026.
This tournament marks Pakistan’s last opportunity to secure a berth in the World Cup, which will be jointly hosted by Netherlands and Belgium. According to the International Hockey Federation (FIH), two separate qualifying events will be staged during the given window, each featuring eight teams. The top three teams from each event will book direct spots in the World Cup, while the best fourth-placed finisher across both tournaments will clinch the final remaining slot.
In total, seven teams will progress from these qualifiers to join the nine nations already confirmed for the 2026 World Cup. Powerhouses such as Belgium, Netherlands, Australia, Spain, Argentina, and Germany have already secured their participation, while the Asia Cup champion will also qualify automatically.
The qualifying stage promises intense competition, with teams like the USA, Canada, Chile, France, England, Austria, Poland, Ireland, Wales, and Scotland battling for spots, alongside five Asian teams (including Pakistan) and one African contender.
With only 16 teams set to feature in the World Cup, Pakistan — once a dominant force in world hockey — is under immense pressure to rise to the occasion. The qualifiers present a defining moment for Pakistan’s hockey legacy, as fans hope to see the green shirts return to the sport’s biggest stage.
